My opinion hasn't changed much in 2 years, I still think in most cases tone trumps looks, but you have to consider your audience. That said I have a bass on the way that I bought only for looks so it's not a hard and fast rule for me.
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Of course looks matter. View attachment 2527112
I guess I'm a bit shalow, but the visuals of the bass matter the most initially. I don't care how it sounds. If it's butt-ugly, I'm not touching it.
I feel the same way about most other things, as well.
I thought you were getting a refin on that CS
+1If the bass didn't look good, I probably would never know how it sounded.
I decided to put the cash into 2 mint v63s.I thought you were getting a refin on that CS
Not me! I have two Tbirds since last posting on this thread and I'm settled. Can't remember the last time I looked at basses. Oh sure I like that new Fender in that buttercream or whatever they're calling it. But with some slight mods the Bird just fits so well and I can't walk past it without picking it up. Not to mention, in a sea of P's and J's? People remember that guy with the weird bass.Agreed. I.e. to me a Jazz bass just looks weird, odd body shape, would never own one. Like the necks, like the sound, just not a fan of the body shape. I know I know, half of Fender purists play Jazz basses and love the look. Different strokes. A lot of those same folks would probably hate the looks of my Thunderbirds...